A PORPOISE that was stranded in the River Parrett in Bridgwater appears to have made its way back to the sea.

The animal was reported stuck in the river yesterday evening, (Friday, May 15), when fire crews and the RSPCA were called out.

An RSPCA spokesman said today: "The porpoise appeared to be swimming well last night and was hopefully heading back out to sea."

Stephen Marsh, of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said the porpoise had been spotted in the River Parrett South f last night's location as early as May 5.

He added: "Last night the RSPCA contacted us for advice after someone had seen it displaying what looked like unusual behaviour to an untrained eye - that is spinning around and doubling up on itself.

"However, it is quite a regular occurrence for a porpoise to follow its prey upstream in this way - although this was quite a long way upstream.

"The animal was not at any point stuck though, so we are hopeful that it will have come out of the experience unharmed."